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dc.contributor.authorMurphy, Robert Chris
dc.date.accessioned2024-05-29T13:07:56Z
dc.date.available2024-05-29T13:07:56Z
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10898/13886
dc.description2024
dc.description.abstractThough engaged in various missional and social outreach endeavors, churches continue to struggle to commit themselves to deep relationality with their Christian and non-Christian neighbors. The reasons for this are varied, often stemming from theological, socio-cultural, and psychological sources. I implemented this project to understand better how building relationality between individuals of diverse theological traditions could inspire a commitment to increasing relationality, particularly joint ecumenical witness and mission. Individual members from three churches serving the Brookwood and York-Chester neighborhoods in West Gastonia participated. Participants were interviewed before and after a series of five group sessions. In the pre-session interviews, participants introduced themselves, discussed the role they play within their faith communities, and described their respective church bodies’ relationship with the neighborhood and neighboring faith communities. The post-session interviews asked many of the same questions, allowing the researcher to compare any shifts that occurred because of the five group sessions. In session one, participants introduced themselves and their faith communities to the group. In session two, they participated in a bible study on Acts 10-11:18. In the third session, participants looked at the varying dimensions of common life present in the local neighborhood and how each respective congregation participates in it. The fourth session focused on the doubts members have in the pursuit of deep relationships with Christian and non-Christian neighbors. In the final session, participants reflected on future possibilities for joint missional witness. The project found that the act of coming together and committing to mutual respect increased the hopefulness of the participants in helping to build relational capacity. Further, fear was often reported as the most significant barrier to doing this kind of work. This effort requires intentionality as well as a commitment to grace, welcome, and forgiveness if it is to be effective.
dc.publisherMercer University
dc.subjectTheology
dc.subjectReligion
dc.subjectMissions
dc.titlePracticing Receptivity: Grassroots Ecumenical Dialogue for Building Relationality and Inspiring Missional Imagination Among Churches in Gastonia. NC
dc.typedissertationen_US
dc.date.updated2024-04-17T22:07:51Z
dc.language.rfc3066en
refterms.dateFOA2024-05-29T13:07:58Z
dc.contributor.departmentMcAfee School of Theology
dc.description.advisorNash, Robert N
dc.description.committeeNash, Robert N
dc.description.committeeRowland, Harry
dc.description.committeeGarber, David G
dc.description.degreeD.Min.


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